Bangladesh recorded another impressive month of remittance earnings in May, receiving $3.43 billion from expatriate workers and overseas citizens, according to the latest figures released by Bangladesh Bank. The inflow marks the sixth consecutive month that remittances have exceeded the $3 billion mark, underscoring the growing contribution of overseas Bangladeshis to the national economy.
The latest figure represents a 15.34 per cent increase compared to May of the previous year. Economists and central bank officials attribute the rise largely to increased money transfers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, as migrant workers sent additional funds to support their families during the festive season.
The sustained growth has significantly boosted remittance earnings during the current fiscal year. Between July 2025 and May 2026, Bangladesh received a total of $32.76 billion in remittances, up from $27.5 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal year. This reflects a year-on-year increase of nearly 19 per cent.
Central bank officials credit the positive trend to a combination of government incentives for remittances sent through formal channels, stronger confidence in the banking system, and growing awareness among expatriates about the benefits of using legal transfer methods.
Recent months have witnessed consistently high inflows. March 2026 set a new national record with $3.75 billion in remittances, while April brought in $3.22 billion. Earlier, inflows reached $3.22 billion in December 2025, $3.17 billion in January 2026, and $3.02 billion in February.
Analysts say the steady rise in remittance earnings is providing crucial support to Bangladesh’s economy by strengthening foreign exchange reserves, easing pressure on the currency market, and improving the balance of payments position.
According to Bangladesh Bank, the country's gross foreign exchange reserves stood at $34.77 billion as of Monday, while reserves measured under the IMF’s BPM6 methodology were recorded at $30.11 billion.
With Eid-ul-Azha approaching and remittance flows remaining strong, policymakers expect the positive trend to continue in the coming months, further reinforcing one of Bangladesh’s most important sources of foreign currency earnings.
